excruciating heartburn / esophagitis

Question:

Developed after 10 days on Doxycycline as treatment for prostatitis. My gastroenterologist suspects the doxycycline is the cause.  I would tend to agree, but I always took it with a full meal, so can’t quite see how it could have worked its evil on my esophagus.  Anyway, assuming I have doxy induced esophagitis, my doc put me on 30mg prevacid 1x/day, and sucralfate 4x/day.  So far, after only 1 day’s treatment, I am still in agony.  I have slept virtually not at all the past two nights because of the pain, which is still excruciating even when fully upright.  Food or lack of it does little to affect the pain.  Tylenol seems to do nothing as well. Is there any medication I can take to relieve the pain so that I can sleep and let the other medicines do their work?  I’ve heard of a "GI cocktail" that has lidocain in it that is used in ERs.  Is there something similar OTC? TIA for any and all ideas — John.

Response:

In article <95556f1e.0402110805.5b5cc475 > Developed after 10 days on Doxycycline as treatment for prostatitis. > My gastroenterologist suspects the doxycycline is the cause.  I would > tend to agree, but I always took it with a full meal, so can’t quite > see how it could have worked its evil on my esophagus.  Anyway, > assuming I have doxy induced esophagitis, my doc put me on 30mg > prevacid 1x/day, and sucralfate 4x/day.  So far, after only 1 day’s > treatment, I am still in agony.  I have slept virtually not at all the > past two nights because of the pain, which is still excruciating even > when fully upright.  Food or lack of it does little to affect the > pain.  Tylenol seems to do nothing as well. Is there any medication I > can take to relieve the pain so that I can sleep and let the other > medicines do their work?  I’ve heard of a "GI cocktail" that has > lidocain in it that is used in ERs.  Is there something similar OTC? > TIA for any and all ideas — John.

First of all, one can take prevacid 30 mg twice a day.  It is a large dose, but not that infrequently done (I’m doing it for the last month and it’s helped a lot with acid burning my throat till I could barely talk).  If you’re in the US, and using our wonderful insurance plans…..your doctor will have to get special permission for the large dose, but it can be done and it will make a big difference. Also, OTC Gaviscon is different from other antacids in that it creates a barrier of foam so the acid has a harder time refluxing.  If you take too much, the magnesium in it might give you some diahrrea – but again, for a little while, no harm done. In the health food camp:  1 tsp of aloe vera juice (pure) a few times a day.  DGL (deglycerized licorice) tablets chewed 15 minutes before meals. Put some kind of blocks under the head of your bed so that it is at an angle – they usually recommend 6 to 8 inches.   DO NOT USE EXTRA PILLOWS – you need the blocks under the top of the boxspring to create the proper angle. There are other things, such as medicines available in other countries, but not here, but those will take weeks for you to get and you’ll probably be better by then. Hope this helps and that you’re feeling better soon. Louise

Response:

New diet hell

Question:

Hello. I was diagnosed yesterday with GERD and stricture by a gastroenterologist.  I am going on the 19th for a Barium swallow test, an upper GI, and to have my esophagus dialated, so far as I understand.  I’m afraid to say that my doc wasn’t all that forthcoming on all of the entailed processes.  He was very clear on one thing, however:  everything that I’m not allowed to eat. Basically, in one fell swoop, I have had my entire diet taken away from me.  I’ve asked friends about things that I might eat, and no one can come up with a suggestion that doesn’t have at least one strike against it on my list.  (Too fatty, too spicy, contains tomatoes, contains high fat dairy products, contains caffeine, etc.)  I was a cook for several years in college and after, and I learned to do my job well.  I love to cook, and now most of the things that I like to eat and cook are no longer permissible to me.  Apparently, the doctor thinks that my case is rather severe, and he’s going to be looking for Barrett’s Esophagus when I have the procedures done in September.  I have searched and searched, but the only thing that I can see that I can eat is bland, tasteless food.  I love food.  I lived in Italy many years ago, and I love Italian food, however there is little now that I can think of that I can still eat.  I suppose I’m looking for some encouragement here.  My fiancee’ isn’t much help right now, because she doesn’t understand that this isn’t something that will go away with time.  She thinks that in a few weeks, or a month or so, I will be okay, and I can eat the same old foods, so long as I do it in moderation.  Everything I have so far heard tells me that this is not true.  I’m not feeling too good about this situation right now, and I’m not really sure what to do next.  I can’t imagine living the rest of my life without ever being able to enjoy the foods that I love.  I guess I’m hoping that someone out there can give me some encouragement here, but right now I don’t know what you could say.  I was looking on a message board yesterday and saw someone say ‘Bland can be good, too’.  I’m afraid that if someone said that to me right now, I might be prone to violence.  Please, can any one out there give me something good about this?  Right now the ‘bright side’ is looking decidedly dark to me.  Thanks. Regards, Ben Pitzer

Response:

Sorry to hear about your severe condition. But at your young age, it is important not to be taken in completely by the establishment. They cannot explain why GERD occurs, or how it can be reversed. From your organization I surmise you are a runner. Me too. I had severe GERD, particularly while running. It cleared up when I finally stopped all medication and use of bases and took salt. Since then I feel I have figured out, with much web surfing, why this worked. You can find my heartburn web site at http://www.BobCotton.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hello. > I was diagnosed yesterday with GERD and stricture by a > gastroenterologist.  I am going on the 19th for a Barium swallow test, > an upper GI, and to have my esophagus dialated, so far as I understand. >  I’m afraid to say that my doc wasn’t all that forthcoming on all of the > entailed processes.  He was very clear on one thing, however: >  everything that I’m not allowed to eat. > Basically, in one fell swoop, I have had my entire diet taken away from > me.  I’ve asked friends about things that I might eat, and no one can > come up with a suggestion that doesn’t have at least one strike against > it on my list.  (Too fatty, too spicy, contains tomatoes, contains high > fat dairy products, contains caffeine, etc.)  I was a cook for several > years in college and after, and I learned to do my job well.  I love to > cook, and now most of the things that I like to eat and cook are no > longer permissible to me.  Apparently, the doctor thinks that my case is > rather severe, and he’s going to be looking for Barrett’s Esophagus when > I have the procedures done in September.  I have searched and searched, > but the only thing that I can see that I can eat is bland, tasteless > food.  I love food.  I lived in Italy many years ago, and I love Italian > food, however there is little now that I can think of that I can still > eat.  I suppose I’m looking for some encouragement here.  My fiancee’ > isn’t much help right now, because she doesn’t understand that this > isn’t something that will go away with time.  She thinks that in a few > weeks, or a month or so, I will be okay, and I can eat the same old > foods, so long as I do it in moderation.  Everything I have so far heard > tells me that this is not true.  I’m not feeling too good about this > situation right now, and I’m not really sure what to do next.  I can’t > imagine living the rest of my life without ever being able to enjoy the > foods that I love.  I guess I’m hoping that someone out there can give > me some encouragement here, but right now I don’t know what you could > say.  I was looking on a message board yesterday and saw someone say > ‘Bland can be good, too’.  I’m afraid that if someone said that to me > right now, I might be prone to violence.  Please, can any one out there > give me something good about this?  Right now the ‘bright side’ is > looking decidedly dark to me.  Thanks. > Regards, > Ben Pitzer

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello. > I was diagnosed yesterday with GERD and stricture by a > gastroenterologist.  I am going on the 19th for a Barium swallow test, > an upper GI, and to have my esophagus dialated, so far as I understand. >  I’m afraid to say that my doc wasn’t all that forthcoming on all of the > entailed processes.  He was very clear on one thing, however: >  everything that I’m not allowed to eat. > Basically, in one fell swoop, I have had my entire diet taken away from > me.  I’ve asked friends about things that I might eat, and no one can > come up with a suggestion that doesn’t have at least one strike against > it on my list.  (Too fatty, too spicy, contains tomatoes, contains high > fat dairy products, contains caffeine, etc.)  I was a cook for several > years in college and after, and I learned to do my job well.  I love to > cook, and now most of the things that I like to eat and cook are no > longer permissible to me.  Apparently, the doctor thinks that my case is > rather severe, and he’s going to be looking for Barrett’s Esophagus when > I have the procedures done in September.  I have searched and searched, > but the only thing that I can see that I can eat is bland, tasteless > food.  I love food.  I lived in Italy many years ago, and I love Italian > food, however there is little now that I can think of that I can still > eat.  I suppose I’m looking for some encouragement here.  My fiancee’ > isn’t much help right now, because she doesn’t understand that this > isn’t something that will go away with time.  She thinks that in a few > weeks, or a month or so, I will be okay, and I can eat the same old > foods, so long as I do it in moderation.  Everything I have so far heard > tells me that this is not true.  I’m not feeling too good about this > situation right now, and I’m not really sure what to do next.  I can’t > imagine living the rest of my life without ever being able to enjoy the > foods that I love.  I guess I’m hoping that someone out there can give > me some encouragement here, but right now I don’t know what you could > say.  I was looking on a message board yesterday and saw someone say > ‘Bland can be good, too’.  I’m afraid that if someone said that to me > right now, I might be prone to violence.  Please, can any one out there > give me something good about this?  Right now the ‘bright side’ is > looking decidedly dark to me.  Thanks. > Regards, > Ben Pitzer > Hi Ben

sorry to hear you are having such a hard time with your GERD. you havent mentioned if you are on medication which will help you. i have had GERD for two years now, i was first put on Prilosec which worked after which they put me on Prevacid. i also had an upper GI, an ultrasound and an endoscopy two years ago. my gastroenterologist didnt see anything. now two years later i am having a problem even on the Prevacid. my symptoms returned, so they put me on Prilosec which is working. there is a sight you should go to that will answer all your questions. go to www.heartburn-help.com  it is the best around. you can even write to the surgeons and theywill answer you. gerd is a condtion that is caused by a relaxed LES muscle. because it is so relaxed when you eat or drink it comes back up into your esophagus. according to the surgeons at heartburn-help once you fix the problem, which is the weak muscle you should be able to go back to your favorite foods after awhile. you should discuss this with your doctor also. i am italian and i also love food. i havent been able to eat my favorite foods for two months now but i am going for help to find out exactly what is wrong or if there is another reason why i feel like i do. i am changing gastroenterologists and going to a clinic in Boston so i can be thoroughly evaluated. please go to that site. i hope i have been of some help — kitty Before you buy.

Response:

Ask your doctor about Pro motility drugs like motilium.  My wife has had gerd for months and has been on pirlosec and prevacid (at different times). Last week the Dr. added motilium to the losec and the last 3 days have been her best in months.   As we understand it the pro motility drug helps the sphickter tighten up and help prevent the acid form coming up into the esophogus (not sure of spelling here) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello. > I was diagnosed yesterday with GERD and stricture by a > gastroenterologist.  I am going on the 19th for a Barium swallow test, > an upper GI, and to have my esophagus dialated, so far as I > understand. >  I’m afraid to say that my doc wasn’t all that forthcoming on all of > the > entailed processes.  He was very clear on one thing, however: >  everything that I’m not allowed to eat. > Basically, in one fell swoop, I have had my entire diet taken away > from > me.  I’ve asked friends about things that I might eat, and no one can > come up with a suggestion that doesn’t have at least one strike > against > it on my list.  (Too fatty, too spicy, contains tomatoes, contains > high > fat dairy products, contains caffeine, etc.)  I was a cook for several > years in college and after, and I learned to do my job well.  I love > to > cook, and now most of the things that I like to eat and cook are no > longer permissible to me.  Apparently, the doctor thinks that my case > is > rather severe, and he’s going to be looking for Barrett’s Esophagus > when > I have the procedures done in September.  I have searched and > searched, > but the only thing that I can see that I can eat is bland, tasteless > food.  I love food.  I lived in Italy many years ago, and I love > Italian > food, however there is little now that I can think of that I can still > eat.  I suppose I’m looking for some encouragement here.  My fiancee’ > isn’t much help right now, because she doesn’t understand that this > isn’t something that will go away with time.  She thinks that in a few > weeks, or a month or so, I will be okay, and I can eat the same old > foods, so long as I do it in moderation.  Everything I have so far > heard > tells me that this is not true.  I’m not feeling too good about this > situation right now, and I’m not really sure what to do next.  I can’t > imagine living the rest of my life without ever being able to enjoy > the > foods that I love.  I guess I’m hoping that someone out there can give > me some encouragement here, but right now I don’t know what you could > say.  I was looking on a message board yesterday and saw someone say > ‘Bland can be good, too’.  I’m afraid that if someone said that to me > right now, I might be prone to violence.  Please, can any one out > there > give me something good about this?  Right now the ‘bright side’ is > looking decidedly dark to me.  Thanks. > Regards, > Ben Pitzer > Hi Ben > sorry to hear you are having such a hard time with your GERD. you > havent mentioned if you are on medication which will help you. i have > had GERD for two years now, i was first put on Prilosec which worked > after which they put me on Prevacid. i also had an upper GI, an > ultrasound and an endoscopy two years ago. my gastroenterologist didnt > see anything. now two years later i am having a problem even on the > Prevacid. my symptoms returned, so they put me on Prilosec which is > working. there is a sight you should go to that will answer all your > questions. go to www.heartburn-help.com  it is the best around. you can > even write to the surgeons and theywill answer you. gerd is a condtion > that is caused by a relaxed LES muscle. because it is so relaxed when > you eat or drink it comes back up into your esophagus. according to the > surgeons at heartburn-help once you fix the problem, which is the weak > muscle you should be able to go back to your favorite foods after > awhile. you should discuss this with your doctor also. i am italian and > i also love food. i havent been able to eat my favorite foods for two > months now but i am going for help to find out exactly what is wrong or > if there is another reason why i feel like i do. i am changing > gastroenterologists and going to a clinic in Boston so i can be > thoroughly evaluated. please go to that site. i hope i have been of > some help > — > kitty > Before you buy.

  normu.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

Home remedies?

Question:

Hello, My husband gets heartburn BAD around once a month, latley more like once or twice a week. He can’t sleep, stand or bend over. I feel real bad for him, sometimes it last 24 hours! I don’t know what to do to ease the pain, He takes Mylanta, rolaids, Tagament ect… (not ALL at the same time) Nothing seems to work. The only things that help at all have been, Apple sauce,and Ginger tea?? Well, any help would be GREAT! ~Melissa~

Response:

Melissa, Go http:www.heartburn-help.com and do a little research. There are a lot of suggestions and information there. If the heartburn persists be sure your husband sees a doctor. There are stronger acid reducing drugs available like Prilosec and Prevacid. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

http://www.gerd.com/ Please do not hesitate to get your husband to a competent gastroenterologist for an endoscopy!!! Antacids do NOT stop cancer … and best to know what is going on!!!! No food for 2-3 hours before bedtime, no liquids 1 hour before bedtime, sleep on a wedge (pillow between legs or under knees), no spicy foods, no smoking, no alcohol, no peppermint, and no just eating antacids without getting examined by competent doctors FAMILIAR with such matters!!! Gentle as you go, Marny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, My husband gets heartburn BAD around once a month, latley more > like once or twice a week. He can’t sleep, stand or bend over. I feel > real bad for him, sometimes it last 24 hours! I don’t know what to do to > ease the pain, He takes Mylanta, rolaids, Tagament ect… (not ALL at > the same time) Nothing seems to work. The only things that help at all > have been, Apple sauce,and Ginger tea?? > Well, any help would be GREAT! > ~Melissa~

Response:

heartburn — there is a famous  Dr, Gabe Merkin, he has a radio program, late evenings, He comes on alot of A.M. stations, evenings in northeast, think main office Maryland,  HE CAN PROVE HEARTBURN IS STOMACH INFECTION.  and will give you the name of the medication free, check 1800- merkin,  when i get exact phone no, i will post it Bob

Response:

Are these symptoms Common?

Question:

> I sleep fine, feel ok about an hour after breakfast I start feeling > pressure in my esophagus. This continues throughout the day & usually > subsides at night. > I have been reading about GERD & related matters trying to figure out > what is ailing me. Anybody having this same combination of symptoms?

Could be GERD.  My symptoms follow a similar timing pattern: they worsen about an hour after meals.  Wish I had a solution to suggest, but I’ve not found one myself yet either.

Response:

I’m a 39 yr old male,in good shape with no history of gastro-related problems. Before Thanksgiving I started burping a lot, no heartburn but felt pressure in my esophagus. I went to my doctor who prescribed Zantac 150. A few days later I began to feel gas in my stomach & was experiencing soft stools but not full blown Diarrea. Went back & received a prescription for Dicyclonine. I was told to come back in a month. I sleep fine, feel ok about an hour after breakfast I start feeling pressure in my esophagus. This continues throughout the day & usually subsides at night. I have been reading about GERD & related matters trying to figure out what is ailing me. Anybody having this same combination of symptoms? I’ve been more stressed than usual for the last couple of months both at home & work. Before you buy.

Response:

Hi… have you had any type of tests?  Upper GI or endoscopy??? If not, why not.  If so, what were the outcomes. After my husband’s diagnosis of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma… I strongly recommend finding a competent gastroenterologist and having tests. Antacids do NOT stop cancer … better safe than sorry. Just because someone has no history of a disease of some sort doesn’t mean a person can never get it. Gentle as you go, Marny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’m a 39 yr old male,in good shape with no history of gastro-related > problems. > Before Thanksgiving I started burping a lot, no heartburn but felt > pressure in my esophagus. > I went to my doctor who prescribed Zantac 150. > A few days later I began to feel gas in my stomach & was experiencing > soft stools but not full blown Diarrea. > Went back & received a prescription for Dicyclonine. I was told to come > back in a month. > I sleep fine, feel ok about an hour after breakfast I start feeling > pressure in my esophagus. This continues throughout the day & usually > subsides at night. > I have been reading about GERD & related matters trying to figure out > what is ailing me. Anybody having this same combination of symptoms? > I’ve been more stressed than usual for the last couple of months both > at home & work. > Before you buy.

Response:

Constant Hunger

Aciphex is a medication used to treat gestational acid reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers. Buy aciphex medicine and feel better today!

Question:

Dear Heather: I had this symptom also for a time.  I went to a gastroenterologist and was tested for H. Pylori – the bacteria that causes ulcers. I didn’t have H. Pylori and was told it was a reflux symptom.  For me, I figured out it was kind of like trapped gas in my stomach. I got relief by taking the herb catnip with my meals.  I don’t know if it would help everybody, but it helped me.  I hated that tummy growling all the time feeling.  It was really horrible. I hope you can find something that can help you.  BTW, I had previously already changed my diet to low fat, and cut out foods that gave me reflux symptoms, elevated my bed 7 inches, didn’t lie down within 3 hours of eating, etc.  If your problem is reflux, maybe making some changes in what you are eating or how you are eating might help it.  Since I had already made a number of lifestyle changes, this was a new symptom that just came out of the blue on me. Good luck. -Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m a 22 y/o female, and for about the past 3-4 years I have been > hungry A LOT!! I’m not referring to the "head" hunger for sugars, > carbohydrates, ets (comfort foods). I’m talking about the gnawing > feeling you get when you haven’t eaten for a while. Often, I am most > "hungry" after I eat!! On a rare occasion I get what I think is > heartburn – sharp, stabbing epigastric pain that radiates to my back and > is relieved with an antacid. > My question is, could this "hunger" that I think I’m having really be > mild heartburn or reflux? When I told my doctor I was hungry all the > time, she wanted to put me on a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (to > control carbohydrate cravings) – But the cravings aren’t the real > problem, it’s the gnawing hunger. BTW, acid problems run in my family, > my dad has been treated for h. pylori, and my mom has irritable bowel > syndrome – we’re a messed up GI tract family > Any thoughts would be appreciated. This is driving me nuts (I’m gaining > weight and can’t stop eating!!!!) > Thanks in advance – please post replies. > Heather

– Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

Response:

Moses here: It could be that you have both acid reflux and an ulcer. I’d bet that the lifestyle changes plus a sufficiently large dose of PPI drug like Aciphex, Prevacid or Prilosec would relieve your symptoms in 2 or 3 weeks. Best Wishes Moses Clarke * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I had the same problem with the hungry gnawing feeling. I would eat inbetween meals just to keep it at bay. A sour taste and then Heartburn followed a few weeks after this started. The only thing that helped was Prilosec 20 mg a day (A powerful Proton Pump Inhibitor to reduce stomach acid.) GI problems are also present in other family members. Chris and moses had several very good suggestions. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

I’m a 22 y/o female, and for about the past 3-4 years I have been hungry A LOT!! I’m not referring to the "head" hunger for sugars, carbohydrates, ets (comfort foods). I’m talking about the gnawing feeling you get when you haven’t eaten for a while. Often, I am most "hungry" after I eat!! On a rare occasion I get what I think is heartburn – sharp, stabbing epigastric pain that radiates to my back and is relieved with an antacid. My question is, could this "hunger" that I think I’m having really be mild heartburn or reflux? When I told my doctor I was hungry all the time, she wanted to put me on a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (to control carbohydrate cravings) – But the cravings aren’t the real problem, it’s the gnawing hunger. BTW, acid problems run in my family, my dad has been treated for h. pylori, and my mom has irritable bowel syndrome – we’re a messed up GI tract family Any thoughts would be appreciated. This is driving me nuts (I’m gaining weight and can’t stop eating!!!!) Thanks in advance – please post replies. Heather

Response:

Esophagitis after fundoplication

Question:

Hi, I done fundo surgery in january this year, this time I had mild esophagitis + hiatal hernia. Now I done a gastroscopy because I was felling so much nausea, the result was mild esophagitis and possible reflux ? Is this common, like I done the fundoplication to cure the esophagitis? Thanx Liane

Response:

>I done fundo surgery in january this year, this time I had >mild esophagitis + hiatal hernia. >Now I done a gastroscopy because I was felling so much nausea, >the result was mild esophagitis and possible reflux ? >Is this common, like I done the fundoplication to cure the>esophagitis?

I am a board-certified gastroenterologist and this information is intended to be general in nature. It is not uncommon to suffer from reflux symptoms following a fundoplication surgical procedure. Many patients still require their anti-reflux medication even after surgery for reflux.  That is one major reason that if your symptoms are well controlled on Prilosec or Prevacid, even taken twice daily, you’d be better avoiding surgery.

Response:

>I am a board-certified gastroenterologist and this information is intended to >be general in nature. It is not uncommon to suffer from reflux symptoms >following a fundoplication surgical procedure. Many patients still require >their anti-reflux medication even after surgery for reflux.  That is one >major >reason that if your symptoms are well controlled on Prilosec or Prevacid, >even >taken twice daily, you’d be better avoiding surgery.

     As someone who had the Nissen two years ago, (reflux was not under control by any means) I wholeheartedly agree with this. If you are under control with meds, I would pass on the fundo.

Response:

Belching with chest pain

Question:

For several years I have been having the following symptoms, usually upon physical exertion, but recently also at rest, and almost always soon after a meal, especially at bedtime.    * Sharp pain in center of chest, with a sore spot under the anterior      left shoulder-blade    * Usually subsides within minutes of stopping exercise.    * Much belching occuring simultaneously.    * Intestinal gas is usually present at the same time. I have not undergone a thallium stress test as I was mis-diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma 10 years ago, forcing the removal of one adrenal gland, and although my currentl symptoms seem to fall in line with angina, I have no desire to submit my body to medical science at this time. When I talk about exercise I mean something as simple as walking 1/2 mile on level ground. At other times, I have no problem walking several miles with a full pack. It also appears that the symptoms are either minimal or not present if my meal did not contain carbohydrates, although this isn’t 100% of the time. These symtoms have been present for about 4 years. I also suffer from panic disorder and take xanax .25mg twice a day. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Steve Ellison

Response:

With any chest pain it is always best to rule out heart problems first. Having said that… you might find a good Gastroenterologist and approach it from that angle. Heartburn and Gastro Esophageal Reflux web page: http://www.heartburn-help.com

Response:

One possibility among many: Maybe it happens when you eat a larger meal but not when you eat a smaller meal. I don;t think it can hurt to eat small meals. That’s what I have to do. If I eat a very large meal I am in agony for hours. The pain you describe sounds like burning in your esophagus; I have read that if the stomach is very full, that exercise can make it easier for stomach contents to back up. So waiting a while after eating, before exercising, sounds sensible too. Perhaps even for walking as you describe. I don’t think it can hurt to do these two things, so you can at least try it. I worry that one day heartburn pain in a person could mask heart trouble when and if it occurs, so please let the doctors get hold of you once in a while to check out the old ticker. -JG – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->For several years I have been having the following symptoms, usually >upon physical exertion, but recently also at rest, and almost always >soon after a meal, especially at bedtime. >   * Sharp pain in center of chest, with a sore spot under the anterior >     left shoulder-blade >   * Usually subsides within minutes of stopping exercise. >   * Much belching occuring simultaneously. >   * Intestinal gas is usually present at the same time. >I have not undergone a thallium stress test as I was mis-diagnosed with >a pheochromocytoma 10 years ago, forcing the removal of one adrenal >gland, and although my currentl symptoms seem to fall in line with >angina, I have no desire to submit my body to medical science at this >time. >When I talk about exercise I mean something as simple as walking 1/2 >mile on level ground. >At other times, I have no problem walking several miles with a full >pack. >It also appears that the symptoms are either minimal or not present if >my meal did not contain carbohydrates, although this isn’t 100% of the >time. >These symtoms have been present for about 4 years. >I also suffer from panic disorder and take xanax .25mg twice a day. >Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. >Steve Ellison

Response:

Rebound when stopping Prevacid??

Question:

Everyone’s body/condition is unique. You have to trust your own insticts, and your doctor. If you think your doctor is "full of crap" you should find a doctor you trust more. Your health is at stake if you don’t. My mother had gerd, and was only on prilosec for four weeks, and hasn’t experienced it again. (She had no rebound effect) Me? I’m still on prilosec after months with improvement, but not nearly enough. So, now he is starting me on something different. My advice to anyone confused is this: Try to tune into your own body/symptoms. If you experience rebound, then you do. If you don’t, then you don’t. Everyone is different. Andrea – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > you were possibly given a load of crap by your doctor. I had a nasty > reboound effect from prevacid when I stopped it last year and I have > read the postings of several others who have experienced the same > thing. However, I have had some bad days this year even though I am > back on prevacid and up to 30 mg/day. > -JG >I asked the gastroenterologist I consulted about a rebound effect when >stopping the medications and he said it didn’t exist also.  I don’t know >if that’s what they are told to say or what.  He said the feelings of >increased discomfort are due to having to get used to a certain amount >of discomfort that is "tuned out" by the body when it happens all the >time.  He said it was like you don’t feel your rings after you wear them >for a while.  I don’t know if I accept this explanation or not but I’m >afraid to start on any medication due to fear of rebound if I found I >couldn’t handle side effects that might occur and then had to face the >rebound.  I know I couldn’t handle going through that. >If there is documented evidence in literature about rebound, I would >appreciate it if you could tell me where I can read about it.  Thanks so >much. -Chris >>   I think your doctor needs to dig a little deeper inot hte research. This is >> accepted by most GI docs presently. This rebound effedt does disappear in a few >> days, however. Been there done that several times. >>                    Greg >> >  I did a search and found that >> >someone else had this experience which they attributed to a "rebound" >> >effect.  I asked my doctor about this, and she said there is no >> >rebound effect and I would have had the acid if I weren’t taking the >> >Prevacid.  I am still doubtful about this.  Has anyone ever stopped >> >Prevacid and lived to tell about it <g>?  I hate being totally >> >dependent on it like this.

Response:

you were possibly given a load of crap by your doctor. I had a nasty reboound effect from prevacid when I stopped it last year and I have read the postings of several others who have experienced the same thing. However, I have had some bad days this year even though I am back on prevacid and up to 30 mg/day. -JG – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >I asked the gastroenterologist I consulted about a rebound effect when >stopping the medications and he said it didn’t exist also.  I don’t know >if that’s what they are told to say or what.  He said the feelings of >increased discomfort are due to having to get used to a certain amount >of discomfort that is "tuned out" by the body when it happens all the >time.  He said it was like you don’t feel your rings after you wear them >for a while.  I don’t know if I accept this explanation or not but I’m >afraid to start on any medication due to fear of rebound if I found I >couldn’t handle side effects that might occur and then had to face the >rebound.  I know I couldn’t handle going through that. >If there is documented evidence in literature about rebound, I would >appreciate it if you could tell me where I can read about it.  Thanks so >much. -Chris >   I think your doctor needs to dig a little deeper inot hte research. This is > accepted by most GI docs presently. This rebound effedt does disappear in a few > days, however. Been there done that several times. >                    Greg > >  I did a search and found that > >someone else had this experience which they attributed to a "rebound" > >effect.  I asked my doctor about this, and she said there is no > >rebound effect and I would have had the acid if I weren’t taking the > >Prevacid.  I am still doubtful about this.  Has anyone ever stopped > >Prevacid and lived to tell about it <g>?  I hate being totally > >dependent on it like this.

Response:

I had an interesting experience recently along this line.  I had to have the 24 hr. pH monitoring and manometry.  You have to stop prevacid for 7 days prior (but you can take H2 blockers and antacids).  I thought I would probably catch on fire as I’ve been taking prevacid 30 mg 2x daily for 2 years.  Anyway, it ended up that the pH monitor broke and I had to stay off the prev for another week, off h2 blockers for 4 days prior and antacids for 24 hrs.  The first few days were bad (like rebound effect) but after that it was kinda like I always am, some symptoms, some reflux, etc.  It made me wonder if when you take these meds that you become somatic, that is , any little symptom scares you because it may lead to the really bad symptoms, so you take more medication and on and on it goes.  It made me realize that 30 mg per day is probably enough. Dick Swenson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi – I’m wondering if anyone has experienced this.  I ran out of >Prevacid on a Thursday and through miscommunication wasn’t able to get >a refill until Tuesday.  Meanwhile, I developed the most ungodly >heartburn I have ever had in my life.  I did a search and found that >someone else had this experience which they attributed to a "rebound" >effect.  I asked my doctor about this, and she said there is no >rebound effect and I would have had the acid if I weren’t taking the >Prevacid.  I am still doubtful about this.  Has anyone ever stopped >Prevacid and lived to tell about it <g>?  I hate being totally >dependent on it like this.  Thanks. –Anya Clancy

Response:

I asked the gastroenterologist I consulted about a rebound effect when stopping the medications and he said it didn’t exist also.  I don’t know if that’s what they are told to say or what.  He said the feelings of increased discomfort are due to having to get used to a certain amount of discomfort that is "tuned out" by the body when it happens all the time.  He said it was like you don’t feel your rings after you wear them for a while.  I don’t know if I accept this explanation or not but I’m afraid to start on any medication due to fear of rebound if I found I couldn’t handle side effects that might occur and then had to face the rebound.  I know I couldn’t handle going through that. If there is documented evidence in literature about rebound, I would appreciate it if you could tell me where I can read about it.  Thanks so much. -Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >   I think your doctor needs to dig a little deeper inot hte research. This is > accepted by most GI docs presently. This rebound effedt does disappear in a few > days, however. Been there done that several times. >                    Greg >  I did a search and found that >someone else had this experience which they attributed to a "rebound" >effect.  I asked my doctor about this, and she said there is no >rebound effect and I would have had the acid if I weren’t taking the >Prevacid.  I am still doubtful about this.  Has anyone ever stopped >Prevacid and lived to tell about it <g>?  I hate being totally >dependent on it like this.

Response:

Hi – I’m wondering if anyone has experienced this.  I ran out of Prevacid on a Thursday and through miscommunication wasn’t able to get a refill until Tuesday.  Meanwhile, I developed the most ungodly heartburn I have ever had in my life.  I did a search and found that someone else had this experience which they attributed to a "rebound" effect.  I asked my doctor about this, and she said there is no rebound effect and I would have had the acid if I weren’t taking the Prevacid.  I am still doubtful about this.  Has anyone ever stopped Prevacid and lived to tell about it <g>?  I hate being totally dependent on it like this.  Thanks. –Anya Clancy

Response:

  I think your doctor needs to dig a little deeper inot hte research. This is accepted by most GI docs presently. This rebound effedt does disappear in a few days, however. Been there done that several times.                    Greg – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->  I did a search and found that >someone else had this experience which they attributed to a "rebound" >effect.  I asked my doctor about this, and she said there is no >rebound effect and I would have had the acid if I weren’t taking the >Prevacid.  I am still doubtful about this.  Has anyone ever stopped >Prevacid and lived to tell about it <g>?  I hate being totally >dependent on it like this.

Response:

Heartburn problems

Question:

Hi I live in the UK. I had severe heartburn problems about 2 years ago. It started with a tightening in my throat as if I was choking. Doc. tested for H. pylori, came back negative. He then gave me Zoton (Lansoprazole) 15mg per day. I’ve been on these since and have no problems whatsoever. If I miss one tablet it’s back with vengance. I, like other people in this group worry about the long term affects of taking these tablets. Doc. says it’s no problem to keep taking them and as they keep it at bay he doesn’t see the need for further investigation. Anyone have any thoughts on this. regards Richard…

Response:

The gastroenterologist that I went to see said there had been long term studies with people on acid suppressing medications with no problems for the people.  I haven’t started on the drugs as yet, but at least I know that if I do start on them I can stay on the drugs indefinitely.  -Chris

Response:

Swallowing/choking problem

Question:

You have posted a carbon copy of my experiences.  When you are experiencing the blockage it is extremely uncomfortable and at times painful.  I have had two endoscopies and though I feel better than I have in the past I still get occasional incidents.  My gastro,etc., advises me to take Pepcid, two tablets, about one hour before the evening meal (which is when they occur). In the main it is effective. What I would like to hear is whether anyone else finds, during the congestion period whether they also have this tremendous amount of phlegm that is present at the time.    Best wishes to you and all the fellow sufferers.        Abe Bloom, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Although I haven’t had the tender esophagus problem, I suggest you see an > gastroenterologist about it.  The doc could also help you if you have the same > syndrome I do regarding trouble swallowing. > It is called "Schatzki’s Ring" and is scar tissue which builds up and > constricts the lower end of the esophagus.  My normal lower esophageal > sphincter should open to about 20mm.  The scar tissue had narrowed it to > about 12mm.  I had the pain, embarrassment and need to regurgitate the > "stuck" food also.  I had an outpatient procedure which consisted of a valium > injection to keep me awake (the doc needs your help during the procedure) but > made totally relaxed, helpful and (most important) forget the whole thing > immediately.  They endoscope you, then pass either increasingly wider > flexible tubes or inflatable balloons down your esophagus, gently breaking up > the scar tissue, then scope you again.  The only side effect was a two-day > sore tongue (they pull it out of the way while they work). > The procedure is supposed to be effective for anywhere from a year to the > rest of your life, depending on the individual.  Mine was done about 3 years > ago and I think I’ll be due again next summer.  Until then (and after) there > are things you can do to help: > —  Chew food well, especially meat and other bulky, dry foods.  Mash it up > and fill it with saliva before swallowing. —  Drink plenty of liquids > frequently during the meal.  Take a drink before you start to help the "first > bite" part.  Take a sip at least every other bite. —  Get the "feel" that > everything is going through.  When you feel you might be getting stuck, take > a drink.  If you don’t feel it emptying, excuse yourself early and go to the > restroom.  Sometimes just the standing and walking will jar things loose. > Once you get to the bathroom drink some more.  You’ll soon know if you really > are stuck.  If you are, regurgitate and drink more until you’re sure.  If you > catch it early, it is much easier to clear and you can rejoin the meal in a > matter of minutes. —  If you feel "stuck," DON’T eat more solid food until > you are unstuck.  Use liquid to get it down, or out! > Good luck and get checked. > Chris

Response:

> You have posted a carbon copy of my experiences.  When you are experiencing the > blockage it is extremely uncomfortable and at times painful.  I have had two > endoscopies and though I feel better than I have in the past I still get > occasional incidents.  My gastro,etc., advises me to take Pepcid, two tablets, > about one hour before the evening meal (which is when they occur). In the main it > is effective. > What I would like to hear is whether anyone else finds, during the congestion > period whether they also have this tremendous amount of phlegm that is present at > the time.    Best wishes to you and all the fellow sufferers.        Abe Bloom,

There are two primary causes for this.  The physical action of the food being stuck in the esophagus keep the extra saliva produced during eating from flowing down.  In addition, the saliva glands react to physical distress in the mouth, throat and esophagus by excreting more.

Response:

> I suffer from GERD and heartburn which at times is so bad that my > esophagus gets so tender that it is difficult for me to swallow most > foods. During these times I have to be very careful what and when I > eat. <snip> I think that my nerves and emotions has a big affect on this > problem.

Bill,   My experience has been that anything interesting, exciting, or stressful causes the stomach to churn and increases reflux.  As a rule, I don’t have trouble eating and in fact eating seems to stop the reflux for a short time. However, there are times when a reflux spasm hits just as I’m swallowing and causes me to choke.  For me this is more likely to happen hours after a meal when reflux is at its worst and I’m drinking a beverage.   GERD being what it is, stomach acid is enough to cause all the problems you are having.  However, I’ll mention something a little different that happened to me about a year ago.  I started eating garlic with my evening meal and after about six weeks of this I had difficulty swallowing because there seemed to be some swelling at the back of my throat.  For reasons I don’t recall, I stopped eating garlic about that time and in a few weeks my throat was back to normal.  I can’t be sure that garlic had anything to do with the swelling, but I suspect that it did since fresh garlic really has a bite to it.  If you are aware of swelling in the throat, then one thing to consider is that you might be allergic to something you eat.   — Jeff Hill

Response:

Although I haven’t had the tender esophagus problem, I suggest you see an gastroenterologist about it.  The doc could also help you if you have the same syndrome I do regarding trouble swallowing. It is called "Schatzki’s Ring" and is scar tissue which builds up and constricts the lower end of the esophagus.  My normal lower esophageal sphincter should open to about 20mm.  The scar tissue had narrowed it to about 12mm.  I had the pain, embarrassment and need to regurgitate the "stuck" food also.  I had an outpatient procedure which consisted of a valium injection to keep me awake (the doc needs your help during the procedure) but made totally relaxed, helpful and (most important) forget the whole thing immediately.  They endoscope you, then pass either increasingly wider flexible tubes or inflatable balloons down your esophagus, gently breaking up the scar tissue, then scope you again.  The only side effect was a two-day sore tongue (they pull it out of the way while they work). The procedure is supposed to be effective for anywhere from a year to the rest of your life, depending on the individual.  Mine was done about 3 years ago and I think I’ll be due again next summer.  Until then (and after) there are things you can do to help: —  Chew food well, especially meat and other bulky, dry foods.  Mash it up and fill it with saliva before swallowing. —  Drink plenty of liquids frequently during the meal.  Take a drink before you start to help the "first bite" part.  Take a sip at least every other bite. —  Get the "feel" that everything is going through.  When you feel you might be getting stuck, take a drink.  If you don’t feel it emptying, excuse yourself early and go to the restroom.  Sometimes just the standing and walking will jar things loose. Once you get to the bathroom drink some more.  You’ll soon know if you really are stuck.  If you are, regurgitate and drink more until you’re sure.  If you catch it early, it is much easier to clear and you can rejoin the meal in a matter of minutes. —  If you feel "stuck," DON’T eat more solid food until you are unstuck.  Use liquid to get it down, or out! Good luck and get checked. Chris

Response:

Hello, I suffer from GERD and heartburn which at times is so bad that my esophagus gets so tender that it is difficult for me to swallow most foods. During these times I have to be very careful what and when I eat. Over time my GERD has improved to the point that I usually don’t have problems with swallowing. My problem is that when I am around a large group of people either at home or out my esophagus will spasm usually on the first bite of food and I will choke very badly. I have to go the restroom and upchuck whatever food is stuck in my esophagus and then wait several minutes sometimes for an hour or more for the spasm to relax to normal. This of course spoils the present meal but also makes me dread future meals where there will be other people present during the meal. I think that my nerves and emotions has a big affect on this problem. Has anyone else suffered from this problem. If so, what have you done that was successful or helped. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Email appreciated. Thanks in advance. Bill  

Response: